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Barcelona have been dealt a major setback as Frenkie de Jong is expected to spend several months on the sidelines following a knee injury sustained after returning from the World Cup.

The Dutch midfielder underwent preliminary medical tests on Monday after rejoining the squad, which revealed a troubling issue requiring extended treatment. The timing of the injury is a huge concern for the Spanish giants as they prepare for the upcoming season.

World Cup disappointment and injury revelation

As reported by MARCA, De Jong reported to Barcelona’s training centre on Monday for his standard post-tournament medical evaluation. The midfielder had participated in all of the Netherlands’ matches during the World Cup before their exit at the hands of Morocco in the Round of 32. He featured for 110 minutes in the 1-1 draw, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat.

While certain players were given additional recovery time, De Jong returned to training alongside Ronald Araujo. The examinations revealed a significant knee injury, causing deep concern within the club. Although Barcelona have not yet issued an official statement, early indications suggest that the injury could be serious, with the club awaiting complete diagnostic confirmation.

Midfield star facing a lengthy layoff

Initial projections indicate that De Jong could be sidelined for as long as four months, potentially keeping him out of action until November. This projected absence is a huge blow for Barcelona, given his importance since arriving at Camp Nou in July 2019. De Jong has featured in 197 matches and scored 20 goals across all competitions. With his contract extending through June 2029, he remains one of the club’s key figures. His absence will compel manager and teammates alike to reassess midfield plans as pre-season gains momentum, putting extra responsibility on others to fill the void.

A decorated career paused by injury

This latest setback continues a difficult pattern for De Jong, who also missed nearly two months last season with a thigh muscle problem. Despite recurring injuries, his record remains highly impressive. During his tenure in Spain, he has lifted three La Liga titles (in 2022–23, 2024–25, and 2025–26), two Copa del Rey trophies, and three Spanish Super Cups. These add to his earlier success with Ajax, where he won both the Eredivisie and the Dutch Cup in the 2018–19 season. His leadership and winning mindset will be sorely missed during the critical months ahead.

What lies ahead for De Jong?

De Jong is set to undergo further detailed medical assessments to determine the full extent of the knee damage. Once the results are confirmed, Barcelona are expected to issue an official update outlining his recovery plan and estimated return date. Meanwhile, the team will continue their pre-season preparations while De Jong begins an intensive rehabilitation regime aimed at restoring his fitness and ensuring a strong comeback.